Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  We love this car - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Flock - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We upgaded from a 95 Grand Am. We liked that car too, but Our Bonniville is awsome. Not only does it look cooler than most other sedans. It also rides and performs great. The only problem we have had in the first 14,000 miles came with the car new. The Panel behind the back seat, which is located in the trunk, fell off because the magnets used to hold it up were glued to the panel. The glue melted, but zip ties fixed the problem.

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  Last of the Pontiacs: G5 - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By thebarkingspider - October 8 - 11:13 am

  This car has been 100% reliable and, for a small economy car, its fun to drive. Had the dealer correct a minor manufacturing defect with the antenna, and otherwise its been perfect. Steering is solid and precise. Acceleration is good, but wont blow your sox off. Visibility is fair -- the faux spoiler partially blocks the view aft, and side mirrors are a bit small. At 65", I cant rave about space, but it is adequate, and better than most cars of this size (and many larger cars as well). Plenty of storage, with folding rear seats to expand trunk space. Noise level very good as small cars go.

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  Very happy with vehicle. - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By AK - October 7 - 1:10 pm

  I leased my 2006 on Christmas Eve 2005. I am very impressed at the amount of interior room the vehicle has. I am a tall individual so I drive with the seat all the way back and reclined. Not one complaint from passengers seated directly behind me. Reliability so far has been top notch. I like the way the dashboard is situated. Only complaint I have is, I think the manufacturer could have made the vehicle more powerful. 185 horsepower is just not enough for this sized vehicle. A sufficient amount would be about 215 horsepower.

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  Second Childhood - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Maytagman2 - October 7 - 5:06 am

  @66, have owned 27 different autos including muscle cars, imports, and various eye-catching fun to drive cars. This ranks as one of the top three cars Ive owned. Intend to keep it and pass it on to my grandson when he reaches at least 21...not 16.

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  Its not just a car its a Sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By adc1990 - October 7 - 1:06 am

  I just purchased this 2004 Pontiac Sunfire its a bronze color but it looks more like a brown/ silver color. This car can get to high speeds quickly for a affordable car. Hear the engine roar with the Sunfire. So far its been nothing but good to me its always reliable. Everything on the car is impeccable, it works to the "t" and Pontiac didnt miss a beat. The design is alright nice bulky interior, seats are fairly comfortable. This car makes you feel good when you drive it, it rides nice and smooth and everything about the car is awesome. I would say the one downfall is the stereo. Its not the best my speakers sound like crap so Im replacing them and the stereo and putting my 12" in the back.

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  Wow! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By MHadden - October 6 - 2:10 am

  The new G6 Coupe GTP is amazing! WAY better than I ever expected. The coupe features Mercedes-Benz style windows that lower 1/2 inch to allow tighter seals around the window: class act! Pontiac looks like its turing itself around and putting the sport back into GM. For those of you who like seeing behind you while you drive, you may find the head rests and the small rear window to be intrusive, as the headrests block almost 50% of the rear view. Finally, the standard Stabilitrak system on the GTP keeps you on track...hopefully Pontiac will offer it to the "snow belt" on the other trim models.

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  Vibe works for me - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By pizan - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Car has been a great vehicle for its size - a little small. Ride is great and front seat is comfortable for 4-6 hour drives I make regularly (511" tall). Rear seat comforatbly seats adults and cargo space is flexible and adequate for most uses (golf clubs need to be angled to fit back there w/o folding seats down). The cruise is touchy on hills, revving alot. Overall Im very pleased with this vehicle - my only regret is that the new orange color was not available in the 2003 model I bought.

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  Great 2nd Car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By JVB - October 5 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought the Vibe as a second car. We are both 6ft+ and it has great head room and fair leg room. It also good gas milage. The back seat has room for a car seat and two grandparents. We are very happy with it.

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  Dont Buy One - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Upset Owner - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Two blown head gaskets in under 30,000 miles, do I need to say any more? I forgot to mention that it had to be return after 4 miles for a loose wheel. There are too many small problems to list.

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  Finally a good deal - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By StalePhish - October 4 - 10:53 pm

  After countless used cars, I finally decided to get a new car, and what a fabulous decision I made to buy a brand new Pontiac G5. Keeping price in mind, I went with the base model, which still has great performance and equally impressive looks. My personal record average was 38.7 MPG in medium/light traffic on the interstate for an hour. Unlike most other cars I have driven, the headrests are actually effective and the seats are amazingly comfortable. For being over 6 feet tall, I have more than enough leg room and my head doesnt ever bump the ceiling. The interior controls are clustered intuitively and to my taste.